FAQ
What are the advantages of steaming?
Do I have to use distilled water?
Does the Jiffy Steamer clean my clothes? Does it remove stains? Is it a carpet cleaner?
What types of applications can I use my Jiffy Steamer for?
What maintenance should be performed on my Jiffy Steamer?
How do I maintain optimal performance with my Jiffy Steamer?
How do I clean my Jiffy Steamer?
Can I put any additives (starch, scented water, etc) in my steamer?
How often should I change the water?
My Jiffy Steamer doesn’t seem to be working properly. What should I do?
What if my steamer runs dry during use?
My Jiffy Steamer is spitting water from the hose. What is causing this?
Where can I have my Jiffy Steamer serviced?
How do I order replacement parts?
Where can I locate my model number and/or serial number?
Can I purchase Jiffy Steamer products locally?
What are Jiffy Steamer's warranty details?
What are the advantages of steaming?
- A Jiffy Steamer can be used for a variety of tasks, ranging from fine garment care to industrial use.
- A Jiffy Steamer is up to five times faster than ironing and can be used safely on both natural and synthetic materials.
- You can also flatten hard-to-reach places with steam where an iron could not come close, including wigs, clothing, drapes, wallpaper, upholstery or even carpet.
- The many Jiffy Steamer accessories allow you to tackle a variety of tasks with the power of steam including steaming wigs, hats, carpets, automobiles, upholstery and more.
- For more information about the benefits of steaming, see the Benefits of Steaming page.
Do I have to use distilled water?
No, plain tap water may be used in the Jiffy Steamer. Periodically, pour the old water out of the steamer to avoid sediment buildup.
Does the Jiffy Steamer clean my clothes? Does it remove stains? Is it a carpet cleaner?
No. There is no stain removing aspect of the Jiffy Steamer for textiles.
What types of applications can I use my Jiffy Steamer for?
- Clothing retailers and dry cleaners steam garments for quick wrinkle removal.
- Caterers smooth tablecloths in homes, restaurants, or convention halls.
- Drapery stores and interior decorators steam draperies, curtains, and sheers on site.
- Furniture upholsterers steam to stretch, smooth and finish furniture, upholstery, and dust ruffles.
- Auto outfitters fit and finish auto interiors, including headlining and convertible tops.
- Carpet retailers and installers steam while installing carpet and to remove furniture marks.
- Milliners and hatters shape and block felt and straw hats and accessories.
- Beauty salons style wigs and hairpieces.
- Wallpaper installers steam to easily remove small patches of wallpaper.
- Craft shops shape and remove wrinkles from ribbons, bows, and needlework items.
What maintenance should be performed on my Jiffy Steamer?
Please refer to the Cleaning Instructions Page for maintenance instructions for your Jiffy Steamer.
How do I maintain optimal performance with my Jiffy Steamer?
Maintenance Requirements for Optimal Performance
- Clean and rinse your steamer regularly:
All steamers need to be cleaned and rinsed on occasion to flush the mineral deposits. We recommend our Jiffy Steamer Liquid Cleaner for cleaning internal parts. - Never use additives:
Additives such as salt, perfumes, and dyes should never be added to your steamer water. These substances will corrode or plug internal parts. - Never overfill your steamer:
If you have purchased our J-3, J-4 or J-4000 series steamer, never over fill the steamer. The maximum water capacity is 3.78 litres. - Never allow your steamer to run dry:
Running a steamer dry will cause internal damage to the heating element and wiring. - Never pour cold water into a hot steamer:
If by mistake your steamer has run dry of water, allow the unit to cool before adding water. Cold water on top of a hot heating element can cause damage to the element. - Steam in a vertical, upright position:
Do not use your steamer in a horizontal position like an iron. Steam in a vertical up and down motion. This will allow the condensation in the hose to flow back into the steamer. - Secure your hose nut tightly:
If your steamer has a hose attachment, make sure the brass nut is fastened tight to the base of the steamer. A loose nut will allow water to run down the front of your unit. - Never use an extension cord:
Extension cords should not be used on this product. Adding an extension cord may create damage to the steamer’s power cord and internal wiring. - Do not pull steamer by the power cord:
Pulling the steamer by the power cord may cause the internal wiring to become loose. - Never use your foot to turn steamer on/off:
Damage may occur to the switch should you turn the unit off using excess pressure with your foot.
Storing the steamer:
Before storing the steamer for an extended period (30 days or more), empty all water from the unit. Stale water becomes thick with time and may plug internal parts.
How do I clean my Jiffy Steamer?
Please visit the Cleaning Instructions page for cleaning instructions for your Jiffy Steamer.
Can I put any additives (starch, scented water, etc) in my steamer?
Never use additives:
Additives such as salt, perfumes, and dyes should never be added to your steamer water. These substances will corrode or plug internal parts. Use only fresh tap or distilled water when operating your Jiffy Steamer. Some users have found that spray starch may be used on some garments.
How often should I change the water?
Always keep fresh water in the reservoir. After a period of about one week water becomes stale and should be replaced with fresh water. Steaming with stale water can cause a foaming action. If this occurs, you should rinse your water tank thoroughly and refill with fresh water. Jiffy Steamer has a 2 pack liquid cleaner available for $19.95 plus shipping. We recommend that the liquid cleaner be used once every 6 - 12 months to remove sediment and mineral deposit build up. This build up can result from using hard water.
My Jiffy Steamer doesn’t seem to be working properly. What should I do?
Try and solve the problem using the Troubleshooting Chart. If that doesn't work, please contact us for assistance. We are available from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
What if my steamer runs dry during use?
If you find your steamer has run dry during use immediately turn off the unit. Allow 10 minutes for your steamer to cool before adding more water.
My Jiffy Steamer is spitting water from the hose. What is causing this?
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF STEAMER EMITTING WATER
There are several common errors that can cause your steamer to emit water or spit while steaming. If you are experiencing trouble with your steamer emitting water, please review the following 5 items.
- Too much water in the tank
Check the water level in your tank to make sure that it contains no more than 3.78 litres maximum. Overfilling the water tank can prevent your steamer from working properly.
- Steaming in a low position
When steaming in a low position you should periodically raise and straighten out your hose. Not doing so can cause condensation accumulation and will create a gurgling noise. Periodically raising and straightening the hose will allow condensation to flow back into the water tank.
- Stale water
Always keep fresh water in the reservoir. After a period of about one week water becomes stale and should be replaced with fresh water. Steaming with stale water can also cause a foaming action. If this occurs you should rinse your water tank thoroughly and refill with fresh water. Jiffy Steamer has a 2 pack liquid cleaner available for $19.95 plus shipping. We recommend that the liquid cleaner be used once every 6 - 12 months to remove sediment and mineral deposit build up. This build up can result from using hard water.
- Rod set is not fully extended
Be sure to keep your rod set fully extended. Not doing so can cause condensation to collect and create gurgling sounds. Extending the rod set fully keeps the hose in an upright position allowing condensation to flow back into the tank.
- Hose too long
In some cases, a customer has purchased a hose that is too long for the task at hand. For example, you would not want to purchase a 2.28 metre drapery hose to simply steam clothing. You would not be able to fully raise the hose which could cause condensation to accumulate and the potential emission of water.
- Cracked or broken steam head and / or handle
Check to ensure that your steam head and / or handle is not broken or that it contains cracks which could potentially cause leakage. You may order a replacement steam head kit or a head and hose attachment complete from our Parts section.
Most spitting problems are caused by user error and are not manufacturing defects. After checking the 6 items listed above, and your steamer is still emitting water, please conduct this simple test. Turn your steamer off and allow it to cool. Remove your hose from the steamer with an adjustable wrench. Turn your steamer back on and check the flow of steam. If you have a steady stream of steam, your steamer is functioning properly and the problem is in the hose attachment. If you continue to experience difficulty with your steamer, please contact us.
Where can I have my Jiffy Steamer serviced?
please contact us and we will advise you of your nearest service centre.
How do I order replacement parts?
You can order online at our Parts page or contact us to order your parts. Be sure to have your Jiffy Steamer model and serial number available. You can locate part diagrams on the Parts Page.
Where can I locate my model number and/or serial number?
An identification plate on the side or rear of the unit contains a model number and serial number.
What are Jiffy Steamer's warranty details?
For warranty details please click here.